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Ackman Defends Viral 'May I Meet You?' Line, Says It Works Best in Transit Encounters

He now describes the polite opener as most effective on the move, linking modern dating struggles to social media.

Overview

  • Appearing on Fox Business, Bill Ackman said he used the line in his youth and 'almost never got a No.'
  • He specified that his success rate rose when he was on an airplane, elevator, escalator, or subway.
  • Ackman argued that social media erodes spontaneous in‑person connection and contributes to loneliness and falling birth rates.
  • The phrase has been widely memed, with many users reporting failed trials, and Ackman has reposted some of the jokes.
  • Coverage highlighted his roughly $9–9.4 billion net worth and questioned how broadly his advice applies, even as a friend recalled it working on the subway in college.